From left, Halley McCormick and Jacqlynn Zier, Co-valedictorians, and Serena Sanders, Salutatorian of the Orcas High School Class of 2011

Friday’s Celebration of Success awards over $61,000 in higher education scholarship funds

At Friday morning’s “Celebration of Success,” community representatives from the following families, businesses, clubs  and agencies awarded scholarships to members of the graduating class:

  • San Juan County Sheriff’s Guild
  • American Legion Voyle B. Martin Post 93
  • Madrona Club
  • Education Foundation “Dare to Dream”
  • Education Association
  • Public Service Employees
  • American Legion Auxiliary
  • Key Bank Academic and Vocational
  • Booster Club
  • Fidelis Circle
  • Ralph E. White Memorial
  • Chamber Music Festival Young Musician’s Award
  • Kiwanis Club
  • Daniel and Margaret Carper
  • Island Artisans Arts
  • Masonic Lodge
  • Lion’s Club
  • Associated Student Body
  • Orcas Firefighters Association (Jeff Patty)
  • Orcas High School Key Club
  • Orcas High School Environmental Club

The Ralph E. White Memorial Award, given by 7th grade teacher Phil Carter’s parents, John and Joan Flesner, was for first-year tuition and books at Western Washington University, valued by School Board Member Scott Lancaster at about $10,000.

Other scholarships from beyond the local community were given by:

  • Wasington State Honors Award
  • Phi Beta kappa Award
  • Bausch & Lomb Award
  • National Merit Scholarship

In addition, Breena Benthin, Co-valedictorian for Orcas Alternative Student-Initiated Studies (OASIS ) High School gave an award to teacher Jill Sherman.

Lancaster, who tallied the amounts at the Ceremony of Success, commented: “Wow, what a community!”

Orcas Island High School graduation ceremonies will acknowledge the academic achievements of Halley McCormick and Jacqlynn Zier, co-valedictorians, and Serena Sanders as  Salutatorian, along with the rest of the graduating class of 2011.

The commencement exercises will be held at the Orcas High School gym at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 11. The gym usually fills beyond capacity, and seats are reserved for the graduates’ families.

 

 

**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**